Many travellers are aware of something called EHIC, and might even know that having an EHIC allows you to access healthcare on the same basis as residents of countries across Europe. Despite the Brexit process, there have been no changes to the way in which EHIC works, and there will be no changes until the UK fully leaves the European Union. Even then, the UK government may choose to maintain the reciprocal healthcare agreements. There should be announcements in the press or on television nearer the time. But until then, we can carry on using our EHIC when we are travelling in Europe this summer. But beware – you can’t use it everywhere you might think you can.

EEA, EU

Part of the confusion over where EHIC can be used and where it can’t is because many people assume that EHIC is a European Union scheme. This is partly true, because all countries which are part of the European Union are part of the EHIC system. They will accept EHICs issued by the UK, and their nationals with a valid EHIC card can be treated in the UK on the same basis. However, EHIC doesn’t just apply to the European Union, it also covers countries which are not in the EU, but which are part of the larger organisation called the European Economic Area. This includes all the EU countries, plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. Switzerland is an oddity in that it is not in the EU or the EEA, but is part of the single market. That means EHIC is valid there too.

Exotic Locations

Many countries in Europe have overseas possessions and territories which may be on the other side of the world, but are considered just another province or state of the home nation. This includes popular holiday destinations such as Madeira and the Canary Islands, which are many hundreds of miles from mainland Europe, but which are considered part of Portugal and Spain, meaning your EHIC can be used to access healthcare. Further afield, the French overseas territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique are in the Caribbean, but you can use your EHIC here too.

Succession States

Many countries are on the road to applying for EU membership, but until the paperwork is signed, EHIC is not valid. This includes many of the countries of the former Yugoslavia and Soviet Union, who have expressed interested in joining the EU and have started negotiating their entry. Some examples of these countries are Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Macedonia. Even Turkey – which only has a small proportion of its territory in Europe – has started negotiating membership of the EU although this process is at a very early state. The EU has also acknowledged that Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine could potentially choose to apply for full EU membership at some point in the future if they choose to do so. Until then, full travel insurance cover will be needed when travelling to non-EEA states, as they are unlikely to become full members before the UK leaves the EU.